Lyme disease is a serious illness caused by the bite of a tick carrying the borrelia bacteria. The disease is not contagious, meaning it cannot be transmitted between infected people or animals. If left untreated, Lyme disease can lead to more severe complications, such as arthritis, heart problems, and neurological disorders. Taking the necessary precautions against tick bites will help community members engage safely in outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing and gathering.

Risk factors 

• Commonly found in south central and southeastern Canada.
• You are more at risk of if you spend time where the ticks live, such as grassy, brushy and wooded areas.
• Weather and season: The risk of infection is greater in the spring, summer and fall, when the temperature is warmer.

Symptoms 

A tick bite looks like a tiny, itchy bump on your skin. Once infected, the symptoms vary and appear in stages.

Stages 

Stage 1: Early symptoms usually appear within 3-30 days after being infected by a tick.

• Rash
• Fever
• Headaches
• Extreme tiredness
• Joint stiffness
• Muscle aches and pains
• Swollen lymph nodes

Stage 2: Symptoms often begin within 3-10 weeks after a tick bite.

• May include stage 1 symptoms
• Many rashes on other parts of the body
• Neck pain
• Facial muscle weakness
• Irregular heartbeats
• Back, hip, hand and leg pain, numbness and weakness
• Eye pain or eyelid swelling
• Immune-system activity in eye nerves that causes pain or vision loss

Stage 3: This is called the “late disseminated” stage. The infected person may show symptoms from the earlier stages and other symptoms.

• Arthritis
• Frequent pain, swelling or stiffness

How is it diagnosed? 

• Symptoms
• Travel history
• Blood test, when required
• Exposure to blacklegged ticks

How to prevent a tick bite? 

• Avoid tall grass.
• Use insect repellent on every exposed part of the body, except the face.
• Wear hats, closed shoes, a long-sleeved shirt and long pants.
• Tuck your shirt into your pants and pants into your socks or boots.
• Wear bright-coloured clothing when outside to make ticks more visible.

What should I do when returning home after activities? 

• Examine your entire body or your child’s. If possible, have someone help. It is very important for parents to inspect their children thoroughly when they are out and about in the woods.
• Take a bath as soon as you return to check for the presence of ticks.
• Carefully inspect your belongings to avoid bringing a tick into your home.
• Wash your clothes in hot water and put them in the dryer at high temperature for at least an hour.

How to reduce the presence of ticks in your area? 

• Mow your lawn and cut tall grass regularly.
• Remove dead leaves and weeds from your lawn.
• Install wood chip or gravel paths between woodland areas and lawns, patios and playgrounds.
• If possible, position play areas away from trees.

Treatment 

• Antibiotics

Resources 

• Contact Info-Santé 811

References:

https://www.quebec.ca/sante/problemes-de-sante/a-z/maladie-de-lyme

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lyme-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20374651